Expert: Melvin Mills - 11/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: In taking apart a watch, how do you remove the stem from the casing?  I want to swap out the insides of one watch to another, but the stem is posing an issue. It is inbetween the casing and doesn't seem to pull or screw out.

ANSWER: Loren

can you show me a picture of the watch?

If not,

Is it a wristwatch or a pocket watch?

If it's a pocket watch, is it an American or Swiss pocket watch?

If it's a wristwatch, is a quartz or a mechanical watch?

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a wittnauer quartz wrist watch.  When I remove the back, the insides seem to be all stuck together.  Can the mechanics of the watch be separated from the face and stem?

Answer
Loren,

look on the back of the movement. There should be an arrow pointing to a hole. Inside that hole will be a small little "button". You need to push down on that button gently and pull out the stem.

Once you do that, you will be able to remove the watch movement from the case. Most likely, the dial is held to the movement by friction. Gently slide something very small, like a screwdriver, between the dial and the movement. Gently pry it up, going around the entire circumference of the watch.

Kind regards,

Melvin